Sustainable Living…..in Cities
What We Can Do in Cities?
Across the globe, people want clean air, clean water, economic opportunities and a safe and healthy environment for their children. But, from climate change to biodiversity loss the earth is now in danger.
With the increase of urbanisation across the globe, these densely populated metropolitan regions have their own set of problems. In fact, India has seen an increase of almost 4 percent in urbanization over the last decade, as more and more people move into cities for better opportunities. As a result, it is important to begin ensuring that these urban cities are made more inclusive, safe, sustainable, and resilient as soon as possible.
The majority of people in metropolitan areas who believe it is important to change our way of life have no idea how to do so.
Nothing can be changed quickly. It is not possible to bring in new sustainable technologies and procedures overnight. It is not possible to modify unsustainable agriculture, food systems, or behaviours in the near future.
Extreme changes are also unsustainable. As a result, we must consider long-term sustainability when undergoing a transition.
The following are a few sustainable options for city dwellers:
- Rethink: To begin with, study and comprehend what true sustainability entails. Change your mind set, harmonise with nature, and accept full responsibility for change in whatever manner you can.
- Refuse: Start refusing to utilise anything you deem unsustainable. Plastic bags, plastic forks, plastic spoons, carry-away food packs, and other single-use plastics are the primary obstructers of nature’s flow pattern. If at all possible, avoid it and refuse to use it.
- Reduce: Reduce consumption in all areas to reduce environmental impact, including electricity, fuel, and gadgets. Preventing waste from being created in the first place is the most efficient way to reduce waste. Prevent food and water wastage. Making a new product requires a significant quantity of resources and energy. Hence, the most effective strategy to preserve natural resources, protect the environment, and save money is to reduce and reuse.
- Share gadgets, tools, machinery, and equipment whenever and wherever feasible to maximise usage and decrease consumption.
- Recycle: All waste should be recycled if possible. Prior to categorised disposal, follow local recycling requirements and come up with your own creative ways to recycle. Adopt a natural approach by composting all household organic waste and using it as manure wherever feasible, or use the designated disposal area.
- Solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources: Solar energy is currently a good option and is more sustainable. It can generate energy, offer direct heat and light, and provide solar heating and cooling.
- Practice Minimalism in Possessions-Reduce the clutter. Minimalism is the practice of consciously living with only the things we truly require, rather than focusing on material possessions. Consider whether you need or want something before buying it.
- Support Farmers: Make it a point to support local producers and farmers’ markets by purchasing from them. Farmers’ markets are becoming increasingly popular in most nations.
- Encourage the development of technology that follows the natural rules of least effort and zero waste. Vote against the misuse of technology for destructive and unsustainable actions.
- Network with people interested in sustainable actions. Organize local meetings or online meetings, discuss and impart knowledge about sustainability.
There are a limited number of resources on earth which are exploited in several ways: to build houses, manufacture cars, computers, etc. Sustainability means maintaining these resources forever. It is important for us to realise that our actions have a deep impact on the environment and we have the responsibility of protecting it for future generations.
